For Michael Caine's birthday, lets watch Italian Job clips

Michael Caine turned 81 on Friday, March 14.. It seems almost inconceivable, but there you go. One of the greatest actors to ever step on stage or before a camera, Caine's filmography is packed with memorable performances. Sure, there have been a few turkeys as well. Like Jaws: The Revenge, about which he famously wrote, "I have never seen it, but by all accounts it is terrible. However, I have seen the house that it built, and it is terrific."

Fortunately for us, Caine's resume includes one of the greatest car movies ever made: The Italian Job. The classic 1969 caper has so many excellent (and gut-wrenching) car scenes, it's worth watching for them alone. That they're set against a great heist story is just gravy on the biscuits.

Fun fact: every car Charlie Croker (Caine) and his team of guys uses is British, underscoring the England-versus-Italy theme that runs throughout the plot. If you haven't seen it, fire it up on Amazon Prime Instant Video (sadly, it's not on Netflix Instant anymore), but note that spoilers follow. If you've seen it, watch it again tonight in honor of Caine's birthday.

Here's a sampling of great clips to get you going:

The Opening Titles

Because Miura. Just avert your gaze at the end...

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Charlie Picks Up His Car

Nice to have a DB4 waiting when you get out of jail.

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Collateral Damage

Charlie and the Italians have a chat. His Aston is involved.

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Blowing the Bloody Doors Off

A little too much explosive for the Morris Commercial....

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The Mini Chase

The signature set piece. And this is just part of it. A classic.

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